Rigetti Computing (NASDAQ: RGTI) shares surged 5.08% in pre-market trading on Friday, building on the company's recent momentum in the quantum computing sector. The stock's rise follows a string of positive developments, including significant purchase orders and overall sector strength.

Last week, Rigetti announced securing purchase orders worth approximately $5.7 million for two of its 9-qubit Novera quantum computing systems. These advanced systems, set for delivery in the first half of 2026, have garnered interest from both a tech manufacturing company in Asia and a California-based startup focusing on applied physics and artificial intelligence. The orders underscore growing demand for on-premises quantum computing systems as the industry matures.

The pre-market rally also reflects broader positive sentiment in the quantum computing sector, with several other companies in the space, including D-Wave Quantum Inc. and Quantum Computing Inc., also seeing gains in early trading. Rigetti's stock performance has been particularly impressive, with a reported 4,620% growth over the past year, attracting investor attention. The company's market capitalization now stands at $11.48 billion, marking a significant milestone in its growth trajectory.